What We Review
Introduction
African American Studies is an academic field that explores the history, culture, and achievements of people of African descent. It offers insight into how these communities have shaped, and continue to shape, societies around the world. This field has grown from grassroots activism to become a respected discipline in high schools and universities. Because it connects the past with the present, African American Studies helps students understand the wider context of race, identity, and justice in the United States and beyond.
Learning about this field is especially important for those taking advanced placement African American Studies courses. Understanding how this discipline developed and why it matters can provide a deeper appreciation of the subject’s role in promoting social change.
What Characterizes African American Studies?
African American Studies combines many different areas of scholarship, including history, literature, sociology, and more. This interdisciplinary approach (LO 1.1.A; EK 1.1.A.1) allows for a broad study of the Black experience. Therefore, it encourages students to analyze cultural expressions such as music, art, political movements, and religious traditions.
This field also connects historical events to today’s Black freedom struggles (EK 1.1.A.2). For instance, jazz music provides a great example. Jazz emerged from African American communities, blending vision, creativity, and resilience. Yet it also speaks to the larger experiences of migration, labor, and social transformation. Furthermore, jazz has influenced global music, showing how African American culture resonates worldwide.
Historical Context: Emergence of African American Studies
The field of African American Studies would not exist today without the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s (LO 1.1.B). As more Black students entered predominantly white institutions, they demanded courses that reflected their heritage and experiences (EK 1.1.B.1).
Their protests became part of the Black Campus Movement (1965–1972). During this time, students rallied for programs that celebrated the history and experiences of Black people. Many universities witnessed sit-ins, marches, and negotiations staged by students and supportive faculty (EK 1.1.B.2).
Below is a simplified timeline of some key events between 1965 and 1972:
- 1965: Increased enrollment of Black students in white institutions begins.
- 1968: Protests start on college campuses, including a notable strike at San Francisco State College.
- 1970–1972: Dozens of universities create new departments devoted to Black Studies.
These events helped pave the way for these programs across the country.
The Relationship Between Early Africa and the African Diaspora
Understanding Africa’s role as “the birthplace of humanity” (LO 1.1.C; EK 1.1.C.1) is essential. African American Studies explores how people of African descent maintain cultural ties to the African continent. It also shows how the innovations of ancient African societies contributed to global development.
One prime example is the Kingdom of Mali, which thrived in West Africa from the 13th to the 16th century. Mali boasted advanced systems of trade, architecture, and scholarship. Consequently, its golden age influenced regions both nearby and far away. Many modern traditions within African diasporic communities can trace their foundations back to such early civilizations.
Additionally, this field uses interdisciplinary research to combat stereotypes. It demonstrates that early Africa had complex social structures, rich art forms, and global links well before the transatlantic slave trade (EK 1.1.C.2). Therefore, this approach ensures a more accurate representation of Africa’s enduring impact on world history.
The Interdisciplinary Approach of African American Studies
African American Studies draws from different fields to offer a full picture of Black history and culture. Historians examine major events and leaders, while sociologists study how Black communities organize and evolve. Literary scholars analyze fiction, poetry, and drama that capture the African American experience.
For example, consider a literary work like Zora Neale Hurston’s novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” This novel explores themes of identity, independence, and self-expression from an African American woman’s perspective. By integrating literary analysis with historical context, students gain a richer understanding of how social factors shape artistic creation.
This holistic view is central to African American Studies. At the same time, it encourages students and scholars to question old assumptions. Through rigorous research, the discipline illustrates the wide influence of Black thought, art, and activism.
Current Relevance and Impact of African American Studies
Today, this field continues to inform debates on race, identity, and equality. When modern movements for racial justice arise, insights from this field help people understand the deeper contexts behind current events. Therefore, it is valuable for anyone seeking to contribute meaningfully to discussions about social change.
Recent events have also reminded society of the importance of African American perspectives in media, politics, and education. Concepts like systemic inequality and cultural appropriation require historical knowledge to be fully grasped. African American Studies offers that background, helping students analyze the world around them.
Furthermore, the discipline fosters empathy. By studying diverse narratives and experiences, individuals learn to appreciate multiple perspectives. In turn, this recognition can fuel broader coalitions for justice and equity in the future.
Key Developments Leading to African American Studies Programs
The establishment of African American Studies programs across colleges did not happen overnight. Protests and negotiations were critical. Black students, often joined by Latino, Asian, and white allies, formed pivotal organizations to press for change (EK 1.1.B.2).
For instance, at some universities, these student-led groups demanded classes in Black history and literature, greater enrollment of Black students, and the hiring of Black faculty. This push grew to a national scale, leading to the foundation of groundbreaking programs.
A notable case study is San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University). In 1968, the Black Student Union organized a strike that lasted over four months. As a result, the college agreed to create the first Black Studies department. This moment proved that structured courses and community engagement could reshape higher education.
Source Spotlight: Tracing the Roots of African American Studies
1. Photo of Black Student Union Strike for Black Studies at San Francisco State College, 1968
- This image shows the passion and courage of students who risked suspension to demand curriculum changes. As a visual record of the strike, it highlights the grassroots nature of these early efforts.
2. Schedule of Courses for Black and Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College, 1972
- This document lists classes designed to explore the experiences of Black and Puerto Rican communities. Consequently, it underscores how academic programs responded to student activism. The inclusion of both Black and Puerto Rican Studies also signals growing partnerships among marginalized groups.
3. Program for the First National Council for Black Studies Annual Conference, 1975
- Presented as a blueprint for future scholarly collaboration, this program showcases how leading academics, activists, and students came together. Their shared mission was to further African American Studies as a legitimate and influential field.
Overall, these sources reflect the movement’s determined spirit and its rapid growth during the late 1960s and early 1970s. They also show the field’s ongoing commitment to acknowledging a wide range of Black experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Quick Reference Chart: Vocabulary and Definitions
Below is a brief chart of key terms frequently used in African American Studies.
| Term | Definition |
| African Diaspora | The global spread of people of African descent and their cultural influence. |
| Black Campus Movement | A wave of student protests (1965–1972) demanding more inclusive curriculum and support for Black students. |
| Black Power Movement | A political and cultural movement seeking self-determination and racial dignity for Black communities. |
| Civil Rights Movement | A movement during the 1950s–1960s aimed at ending legal segregation and ensuring equal rights for African Americans. |
| Interdisciplinary | Combining multiple fields of study (e.g., history, sociology, literature) to gain deeper insights into a topic. |
| Jazz Music | A musical style, rooted in African American traditions, characterized by improvisation and rhythmic complexity. |
| Kingdom of Mali | A powerful West African empire (c. 1235–1670) known for trade, scholarship, and notable rulers like Mansa Musa. |
| Diaspora | Communities of people living outside their ancestral homeland yet maintaining cultural ties. |
| Black Student Union Strike | A protest led by Black students, notably at San Francisco State College in 1968, calling for Black Studies courses. |
| Scholarly Inquiry | Rigorous academic research and analysis aimed at advancing knowledge in a structured manner. |
Conclusion
African American Studies stands at the crossroads of history, culture, and social activism. Through an interdisciplinary lens, it highlights the contributions and challenges of Black people across time and continents. The field has its roots in the courage of students and activists who fought for representation in higher education, especially during the Black Campus Movement.
At its core, it asks readers to see how seemingly distant topics—from ancient African kingdoms to modern-day civil rights protests—are intertwined. This connection remains relevant, especially for high school students eager to examine modern debates about racial justice and historical reckoning.
Sharpen Your Skills for AP® African American Studies
Are you preparing for the AP® African American Studies test? We’ve got you covered! Try our review articles designed to help you confidently tackle real-world AP® African American Studies problems. You’ll find everything you need to succeed, from quick tips to detailed strategies. Start exploring now!
Need help preparing for your AP® African American Studies exam?
Albert has hundreds of AP® African American Studies practice questions, free response, and full-length practice tests to try out.
